Editing Skagen

{{For|the design company|Skagen Designs}}
{{short description|Northernmost town in Denmark}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
|settlement_type    = Town
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
| name              = Skagen
| other_name        = The Scaw
| image_shield      = Coat of arms of Skagen.svg
| image_seal        = Skagens segl.jpg
| image_skyline     = Skagen rooftops.jpg
| imagesize         =
| image_map         = Skagen peninsula aerial.jpg
| mapsize           =
| map_caption       = Aerial view of the [[Skagen Odde]] peninsula in the far north of [[Jutland]], from the southwest of Skagen
| pushpin_map        = Denmark#Denmark North Jutland Region
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Denmark
<!-- Location ------------------>
| subdivision_type  = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name  = [[Denmark]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Denmark|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[North Denmark Region|North Denmark (''Nordjylland'')]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Municipalities of Denmark|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Frederikshavn Municipality|Frederikshavn]]
<!-- Politics ----------------->
| leader_title      = Mayor
| leader_name       = Birgit Hansen (Frederikshavn)
| established_title = City status
| established_date  = {{start date and age|1413}}
| area_urban_km2    = 7.81
| population_as_of  = 2024-01-01
| population_urban  = 7,476 <ref>[https://m.statbank.dk/TableInfo/BY3?lang=en Population 1. January by urban areas, area and population density] The Mobile Statbank from [[Statistics Denmark]]</ref>
| population_density_urban_km2 = 981.3
| population_blank1_title      =
Gender <ref>[https://m.statbank.dk/TableInfo/BY1?lang=en BY1: Population 1. January by urban areas, age and sex] The Mobile Statbank from [[Statistics Denmark]]</ref>
| population_blank1            =
3793 males and 3683 females
| population_demonym     = Skagbo
<!-- General information  --------------->
| timezone          = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset        = +1
| timezone_DST      = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST    = +2
| coordinates       = {{coord|57|43|N|10|35|E|region:DK|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type  = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
| postal_code       = 9990
| website           = [http://skagen.dk/ www.skagen.dk]
| footnotes         =
}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
'''Skagen''' ({{IPA|da|ˈskɛˀjn̩|lang}}) is the northernmost town in [[Denmark]], on the east coast of the [[Skagen Odde]] peninsula in the far north of [[Jutland]], part of [[Frederikshavn Municipality]] in [[North Denmark Region|Nordjylland]], {{convert|41|km}} north of [[Frederikshavn]] and {{convert|108|km}} northeast of [[Aalborg]]. The [[Port of Skagen]] is Denmark's main fishing port and it also has a thriving tourist industry, attracting 2&nbsp;million people annually.

The name was applied originally to the peninsula but it now also refers to the town. The settlement began during the Middle Ages as a fishing village, renowned for its [[herring]] industry. Thanks to its seascapes, fishermen and evening light, towards the end of the 19th century it became popular with a group of [[impressionism|impressionist]] artists now known as the [[Skagen Painters]]. In 1879, the Skagen Fishermen's Association was established with the purpose of facilitating the local fishing industry through the [[Skagensbanen]] railway, which opened as a narrow-gauged railway in 1890. The modern port of Skagen opened on 20 November 1907, and with the railway connections to Frederikshavn and the rest of Denmark, tourism began to develop.

During the early 1910s, [[Christian X of Denmark|Christian X]] and [[Queen Alexandrine]] often visited Skagen and brought friends from other European monarchies. They built a summer residence, [[Klitgaarden]], completed in 1914.

Between the 1930s and 1950s, the town grew rapidly, with the population more than doubling from 4,048 in 1930 to 9,009 in 1955. Skagen reached a maximum population of 14,050 in 1980, after which it gradually declined. As of January 2024, it has a population of 7,476. Thanks to the artistic community that still remains in Skagen, the local arts and crafts trade remains important to the income of the town with its numerous crafts shops and galleries. Chains such as the international jeweller [[Skagen Designs]] have branches in the town, and given the abundance of fresh fish coming in at the port of Skagen, seafood forms a staple in Skagen's restaurants.

[[The Sand-Covered Church|St Lawrence's Church]] was built just outside the village at the end of the 14th century, but after it was buried in drifting sand it was replaced by [[Skagen Church]] in 1841 designed by [[Christian Frederik Hansen]]. It was redeveloped in 1909–10 by [[Ulrik Adolph Plesner|Ulrik Plesner]] who also designed a number of other buildings in Skagen, including Klitgaarden and the railway station. Several landmarks in the town are closely associated with the Skagen Painters who used to frequent them, including [[Brøndums Hotel]], [[Skagens Museum]], [[Michael and Anna Ancher House|Michael and Anna Ancher's House]], and [[Drachmann's House]].

Skagen's first school was the ''Latinskole'', a grammar school, which was in operation from 1549 until 1739. By the end of the 19th century, three schools had been established in Skagen, and in 1921, Skagen's Skipper School was opened to train navigators for both fishing boats and merchant ships, and in 1955, the [[Danish Folkeskole Education|public school]] ''Ankermedets skole'' was opened on Skagavej. The main gymnasium of the town, Skagen Kultur- og Fritidscenter, opened in 1972, and was later expanded with an aquatic centre and a number of smaller training facilities. Skagen's sports centre was completed in 1974, primarily to accommodate badminton and tennis. The local football club, Skagen Idræts Klub, was founded in 1946 and reached the Jyllandsserien, one of the lower divisions in [[Football in Denmark|Danish football]], as their best position. The Hvide Klit Golf Club is {{convert|17| km|abbr=on}} south of the town.

[[Skagen station]] is the most northerly railway station in Denmark and is the terminus of the Skagensbanen. [[Nordjyske Jernbaner]] operates the local train service between Skagen, Frederikshavn and Aalborg with onward national connections by [[DSB (railway company)|DSB]]. From Frederikshavn, there are ferries to [[Gothenburg]], [[Oslo]] and [[Læsø]]. [[Aalborg Airport]] is {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} southwest of Skagen.

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Skagens tilsandede kirke.jpg|thumb|right|260px|The sand-engulfed Buried Church (''tilsandede kirke'') at Skagen]]
Skagen was mentioned as far back as the first century AD by [[Pliny the Elder]]:
:"Promenturium Cimbrorum excurrens in maria longe paeninsulam efficit quae Tastris appellatur" (Book IV, 97)
:"The promontory of the Cimbri running far out into the seas makes a peninsula, which is called Tastris."

This is the only time the name Tastris is mentioned but Skagen itself, first documented as ''Skaffuen'' in 1284, simply means narrow, high point of land<ref>[http://www.middelalderinfo.dk/bynavne.php Flemming Elimar Jensen, "Hvad betyder bynavnene & landsdels navne?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215091902/http://www.middelalderinfo.dk/bynavne.php |date=15 February 2015 }}, MiddelalderInfo. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 10 October 2013.</ref><ref name=dsd/>

The first building in the area, dating from the 12th century, was in [[Højen]] on the west side of the peninsula. It belonged to Tronder, a shepherd who also became Skagen's first fisherman. Around 1340, Vesterby, on the east coast (to the south west of today's harbour), developed into the main village. Further to the south west, [[The Sand-Covered Church|St Lawrence's Church]] was built at the end of the 14th century. In 1413, [[Erik of Pommern]] granted Skagen the status of [[market town]] with the result that for a time it became [[Vendsyssel]]'s largest community with up to 2,000 inhabitants.<ref name=slf>[http://www.skagenlokal.dk/tidstavle.html "Tidstavle"], Skagen Lokalhistoriske Forening. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 10 October 2013.</ref>

In 1549, a grammar school was opened (closing again in 1739) and, in 1561, Skagen's first lighthouse was constructed. In 1568, some 350 fishing boats and merchant ships were wrecked off the coast of Skagen.<ref name=slf/> In the 1590s, successive storms led not only to numerous drownings but to flooding, destroying many of the houses. In 1591, 22 died in a flood and in 1593, 14 houses were washed away.<ref name=slf/> In 1595, 25 farms in the area were covered in drifting sand.<ref name=slf/> As a result, new housing was built in Østerby to the north east, away from the rapidly accumulating sand.

===17th–19th centuries===
[[File:Skagenhaus 1.jpg|thumb|left|Typical Skagen house: red tiled roof with white trimmings, yellow-plastered walls and a white fence]]
In the 17th century, fishing suffered from a decline in herring stocks. Shortly after the beginning of the [[Torstensson War]], the Swedish army arrived in Skagen in January 1644, plundering the town.<ref name=slf/><ref>[http://www.danskekonger.dk/andet/torstenssonkrigen "Torstenssonkrigen 1643–45"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109110521/http://www.danskekonger.dk/andet/torstenssonkrigen |date=9 November 2013 }}, Danske konger. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 9 November 2013.</ref>  [[Skagen's White Lighthouse]] with adjoining accommodation for the keeper was built in 1747. In 1775, accumulations of drifting sand made it difficult to access St Lawrence's Church, finally leading to its closure and partial demolition in 1795. Its remaining artefacts were sold by auction in 1810. St Lawrence's was replaced by [[Skagen Church]], completed in 1841 and redesigned in the local style by Ulrik Plesner in 1910.<ref name=slf/>

[[File:Brøndums Hotel 1891-92.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Skagen Painters]] in the Dining room in Brøndums Hotel, Skagen, {{Circa|1891}}]]
On a single day in 1825, 23 ships were left stranded off the coast.<ref name=slf/> In 1833, [[Martinus Rørbye]] became the first artist to paint the fishermen and landscapes of Skagen, almost half a century before the arrival of the Skagen Painters.{{sfn|Folsach|samling|1996|p=48}} Skagen Church was inaugurated in 1841, and the first guest house in the town opened in 1844.<ref name=slf/> In 1858, the [[Skagen Lighthouse|grey lighthouse]] was inaugurated. The same year, bye-laws were established specifying building requirements including the completion of tiled roofs within five years. Skagen was struck by the [[cholera]] epidemic of 1853.<ref name=slf/>

[[Hans Christian Andersen]] visited the town in 1859. During his stay at Brøndums Hotel, the future painter [[Anna Ancher]], daughter of the inn-keeper, was born.<ref>[http://www.euronews.com/2009/07/07/anna-ancher-celebrated/ "Anna Ancher celebrated"], Euronews, 7 July 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b.dk/kultur/anna-ancher-indtager-washington|title=Anna Ancher indtager Washington|access-date=9 November 2013|date=1 March 2013|last=Dannemand Jensen|first=Henrik|newspaper=[[Berlingske]]|language=da}}</ref> In 1871, the author [[Holger Drachmann]] and the painters [[Fritz Thaulow]] and [[Karl Madsen]] arrived in Skagen, the first of the colony of artists that became known as the [[Skagen Painters]]. They were followed by [[Carl Locher]] in 1872, [[Michael Ancher]] in 1874 and [[Peder Severin Krøyer]] in 1882.<ref name=slf/>   
 
In 1879, the Skagen Fisherman's Association was established with the purpose of facilitating the local fishing industry through the railway.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=24}} In 1890, the [[Skagensbanen]] narrow-gauge railway from [[Frederikshavn]] finally arrived in Skagen, connecting the town to the rest of Denmark.<ref name=sbanen>[http://www.nordjyllands-jernbaner.dk/ "Skagensbanen"], Nordjyllands jernbaner. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 10 October 2013,</ref> The tracks were widened in 1916 to avoid the need to transfer cargoes of fish in Frederikshavn. Many of the town's typical yellow-plastered houses with red roofs that grew up along Sankt Laurentii Vej from 1890 to 1930 were designed by Ulrik Plesner. He was also the architect behind many other buildings in the town, including the railway station, [[Brøndums Hotel]] and [[Skagen Museum]]. Skagen Missionshus was opened in 1896.<ref name=slf/>

===20th century===
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Kong Christian 10.jpg
| width1 = 180
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = 
| image2 = Klitgården Alexandrine 1913.jpg
| width2 = 185
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| footer = Left: [[Christian X of Denmark]]. Right: [[Queen Alexandrine]] at Skagen in 1913
}}

In 1904–7, the fishing harbour was built with inner and outer sections under the patronage of hydraulic engineer [[Palle Bruun]]. It was inaugurated on 20 November 1907,{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=24}} and later additions were made for cold storage and the fish processing industry. The distinctive warehouses next to the harbour were designed by [[Thorvald Bindesbøll]].

In the early 1910s, [[Christian X of Denmark|Christian X]] and [[Queen Alexandrine]] often visited Skagen in the royal yacht ''[[HDMY Dannebrog (1879)|Kongeskibet Dannebrog]]''. Occasionally they arrived by train and brought friends from other European monarchies and stayed at the Brøndums and Grenen hotels. They grew fond of the place, befriending many of the artists in Skagen.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=25}} Christian X bought up land in the vicinity and built the summer residence [[Klitgaarden]] as a gift for his wife. Designed by Ulrik Plesner, with furniture provided by [[Marie Krøyer]], the villa was inaugurated on 11 April 1914, with the town celebrating the royal opening with many flags.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=26}} Klitgaarden was further embellished inside by local artists. It passed to [[Prince Knud]] and [[Princess Caroline Mathilde]], and after Caroline's death in 1995, it was converted into a villa retreat for scholars in 2000.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=26}} Composer [[Carl Nielsen]] also frequented Skagen in his youth, and he purchased a plot of land on Vestre Strandvej at Vesterby in 1918 with his sculptor wife [[Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen]], using one of the two small half-timbered houses there as a residence and studio.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=26}} They named it "Finis Terrae", meaning "end of the world". The Nielsen family owned the property until 1957 when they sold it to [[Frode Jensen]], a machinery manufacturer.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=26}} 
[[File:Bröndums hotell 01.JPG|thumb|left|Brøndums Hotel]]
In the 1930s, development of the town as a tourist attraction led to the opening of new hotels. In 1931, the residents of Skagen and their famous friends campaigned for a monument to be established on the square in the town, commemorating the fishermen and lifeboatmen of Jutland. Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen was commissioned to erect a {{convert|3|m}} bronze statue of a lifeboatman in garb, holding a lifeline.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=27}} The monument was showcased at the Free Exhibition Hall in Copenhagen in the spring of 1931, before fundraising enabled it to be brought by sea to Skagen on 10 November 1932.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=27}} In October 1938, lightning struck the Skagens Badehotel, affecting the wing with the salons and music rooms. During World War II, the hotel was taken over by the Germans, until it was demolished in 1943.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=24}} Further facilities were developed in the 1950s. From the 1960s, housing estates were constructed to the north, forming a built-up area extending to Højen. Anna and Michael Ancher's house was opened as a museum (1967) and the new town hall was completed in 1969.<ref name=dsd/><ref name=slf/> The [[Skagen Festival]] was founded in 1971, making it the oldest music festival in the country. The primary genre is [[folk music]]. In 1977, [[Drachmanns House]] was broken into and four paintings were stolen, and then in 1980, a painting by [[Christian Krohg]] was stolen from Skagens Museum.<ref name=slf/>

Several fires and industrial incidents occurred in the 1980s. In 1981, an oil slick affected the coastline of Skagen municipality, and in 1985 a pipe bomb exploded at Ankermedet School. Skagen ice factory was affected by a chemical incident in 1989.<ref name=slf/> A new shrimp factory opened in the industrial area in 1991, while the local cinema was closed in 1993. There was a major fire on the [[Hulsig]] Heath dunes in 1996.<ref name=slf/>

==Skagen Painters==
{{main|Skagen Painters}}
[[File:Hip, Hip, Hurrah! Artists’ Party, Skagen (Peder Severin Krøyer) - Gothenburg Museum of Art - F 62.tif|thumb|left|P.S. Krøyer: ''[[Hip, Hip, Hurrah!]]'' (1888)]]
The [[Skagen Painters]] were a group of Scandinavian artists who visited the area every summer from the late 1870s until the turn of the century. They were attracted by the scenery, the fishermen and the social community of their fellow artists who encouraged them to paint ''[[en plein air]]'' following the example of the French [[Impressionist]]s while sometimes adopting the [[Realism (arts)|Realist]] approach of the [[Barbizon school|Barbizon School]]. They broke away from the rigid traditions of the Danish and Swedish art academies, preferring the modern trends they had experienced in Paris.{{sfn|Svanholm|2001|pp=30–43}}

The group was reputed to have adopted a bohemian lifestyle. It encompassed not only painters, but also writers, and other influential people. While only a few were full-time residents of the area, they were often joined by family and friends, especially during the summer months. The group initially revolved around [[Michael Ancher]] and his wife to be [[Anna Ancher|Anna]], the only member of the group who was a native of Skagen. [[P.S. Krøyer]], who arrived in 1882, was perhaps the most colourful member of the group.<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Billedkunst/Danmark_1850-1910/Peder_Severin_Kr%C3%B8yer "P.S. Krøyer"], ''Den Store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 5 November 2013.</ref> His painting ''[[Hip, Hip, Hurrah!]]'' shows several of the artists celebrating around a table out in the garden. The painters included the Swedes [[Oscar Björck]] and [[Johan Krouthén]], the Norwegians [[Christian Krohg]] and [[Eilif Peterssen]], and the Danes [[Karl Madsen]], [[Laurits Tuxen]], [[Marie Triepcke Krøyer Alfvén]], [[Carl Locher]], [[Viggo Johansen]] and [[Thorvald Niss]].  The group also included the writers [[Holger Drachmann]], [[Georg Brandes]] and [[Henrik Pontoppidan]] and the Swedish composer [[Hugo Alfvén]]. They often gathered in [[Brøndums Hotel]] whose dining room now forms part of [[Skagens Museum]].{{sfn|Svanholm|2001|pp=30–43}}

In 1890, the railway to Skagen not only led to the expansion of the village but also brought in considerable numbers of tourists. It was largely responsible for breaking up the regular summer meetings of the artists' colony as they could no longer find suitable accommodation and venues for their meetings. However, some of them purchased homes in Skagen: P.S. Krøyer in 1894, [[Laurits Tuxen]] in 1901, Holger Drachmann in 1903.<ref>Mona Jensen (editor), "Danske kunstnerkolonier. Skagen. Fyn. Bornholm", Aarhus Kunstmuseums Forlag, 2000.</ref> Anna and Michael Ancher, Krøyer and Tuxen continued to paint in Skagen until well into the 20th century and were occasionally joined by their earlier friends. Other painters, sometimes referred to as the younger group of Skagen painters, continued to visit the area. They included [[Jørgen Aabye]], [[Tupsy Clement|Tupsy]] and [[Gad Frederik Clement]], [[Ella Heide]], [[Frederik Lange]] and [[Johannes Wilhjelm]], some of whom settled in the area until the 1930s or even later. Skagens Museum has a large collection of works from all the recognized artists who painted in Skagen.<ref>[http://www.kulturarv.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/kulturarv/museer/dokumenter/arbejdsplaner/Skagens_Museum.pdf "Skagens Museum: Insamling"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055125/http://www.kulturarv.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/kulturarv/museer/dokumenter/arbejdsplaner/Skagens_Museum.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, Kulturarv.dk. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 29 October 2013.</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Skagen seen from the lighthouse 2009.jpg|thumb|250px|View of Skagen from the north]]
[[File:Skagen OSM map 2013.png|thumb|250px|Street map of the main area of Skagen.]]
Skagen is Denmark's northernmost town, located {{convert|41|km}} north of Frederikshavn, {{convert|108|km}} northeast of [[Aalborg]], and {{convert|226|km}} northeast of [[Aarhus]] by road.<ref name="GM">{{Google maps | url =https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=57.716667,10.583333&q=loc:57.716667,10.583333&hl=en&t=h&z=12 | access-date =1 November 2013}}</ref> It takes its name from the  peninsula that projects into the waters between the North Sea and the straits of Denmark. The oldest areas lie along the south coast. [[Gammel Skagen]] (Old Skagen), also known as Højen, is located next to ''Nordstrand'' on the western side. Vesterby and Østerby are notable for their little fishermen's cottages and narrow streets.<ref name=dsd/> [[Danish national road 40]] to Frederikshavn passes through Skagen.<ref>[http://www.naturstyrelsen.dk/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_AE7B478523809AFB954EF1FAF696D1D59D830300/filename/RPT085.pdf "Udbygning af landevejen Ålbæk – Skagen"]{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Naturstyrelsen. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 11 October 2013.</ref>

'''[[Grenen]]''' (also known as ''the Skagen Odde peninsula'') is bordered by [[Ålbæk Bay]] (''Ålbæk Bugt'') to the east on the [[Kattegat]] and Tannis Bay (''Tannis Bugt'') to the west on the [[Skagerrak]]. The area is picturesque, and distinguished by its low, yellow houses with red tile roofs nestled into the [[beach]] areas.{{sfn|Lonely Planet|2005|p=285}}
The wild landscape was largely formed by a severe process of [[desertification]] in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Problems with moving [[dune]]s and desertification were subsequently brought under control in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries by establishing large plantations of grasses, bushes and fir trees. Two significant migratory dunes remain in the area, one of which is the enormous [[Råbjerg Mile]].<ref>[http://www.toppenafdanmark.dk/denmark/raabjerg-mile-gdk640523 "Råbjerg Mile"], Toppen af Danmark. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 11 October 2013.</ref>

=== Bird life in Skagen ===
Skagen is the place in Denmark where the most bird species can be experienced, a total of 367 out of 471 bird species in the country.(2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skagenfuglestation.dk/fugletraekket/arter-og-tal|title=Arter og tal|website=www.skagenfuglestation.dk|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netfugl.dk/dklist.php|title=DK listen – Netfugl.dk|website=www.netfugl.dk|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=5 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905040347/http://www.netfugl.dk/dklist.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Year round the area around Skagen, especially Grenen, is visited by hundreds of birdwatchers from all over Denmark, particularly in April–May and the beginning of June and to a lesser degree in August–November. Furthermore, the area is visited by birdwatchers from Sweden, Norway and Germany.

Other well-visited locations for birdwatchers are Ellekrattet, Nordstrand (near Batterivej), Skagen Harbour, Flagbakken southwest of the town as well as horse fields and brushwood near Fyrvej, Bøjlevejen and Buttervej.

Every day all year round Skagen Bird Observatory observes the migration on Grenen from the highest sand dune located between the parking lot and Grenen: "The World's End".

Volunteers at [https://www.skagenfuglestation.dk/ Skagen Bird Observatory] ring thousands of small birds in the Skagen area every year with permission from the [[University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum|Zoological Museum]] in Copenhagen.

==Climate==
Being surrounded by the sea in three directions, Skagen has a cool [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Cfb]]) with a lack of temperature extremes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=14060&cityname=Skagen%2C+Denmark&units=|title=Skagen, Denmark Climate Summary|publisher=Weatherbase|access-date=2 January 2015}}</ref> Its maritime and moderated characteristics is shared with the rest of the country. Skagen is Denmark's sunniest town with an average of 306 hours of sunshine in the holiday month of July, higher than the 276 hours recorded for Bornholm's [[Østerlars]].<ref>[http://vejret.tv2.dk/artikel/id-31490789:se-hvor-solen-skinner-mest-i-danmark.html Anders Brandt, "Se hvor solen skinner mest i Danmark"], ''TV2'', 21 June 2010. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Skagen (1971–2000)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 10.2
|Feb record high C = 11.5
|Mar record high C = 15.7
|Apr record high C = 19.0
|May record high C = 23.6
|Jun record high C = 27.1
|Jul record high C = 28.2
|Aug record high C = 29.0
|Sep record high C = 22.6
|Oct record high C = 19.0
|Nov record high C = 13.2
|Dec record high C = 11.1
|year record high C = 29.0
|Jan high C = 3.0
|Feb high C = 2.7
|Mar high C = 4.6
|Apr high C = 8.4
|May high C = 13.7
|Jun high C = 17.2
|Jul high C = 19.5
|Aug high C = 19.2
|Sep high C = 15.5
|Oct high C = 11.4
|Nov high C = 7.3
|Dec high C = 4.7
|year high C = 10.6
|Jan mean C = 1.4
|Feb mean C = 1.0
|Mar mean C = 2.5
|Apr mean C = 5.6
|May mean C = 10.5
|Jun mean C = 14.0
|Jul mean C = 16.3
|Aug mean C = 16.2
|Sep mean C = 13.1
|Oct mean C = 9.5
|Nov mean C = 5.7
|Dec mean C = 3.1
|year mean C = 8.2
|Jan low C = -0.7
|Feb low C = -1.1
|Mar low C = 0.3
|Apr low C = 2.9
|May low C = 7.5
|Jun low C = 10.9
|Jul low C = 13.1
|Aug low C = 13.0
|Sep low C = 10.4
|Oct low C = 7.1
|Nov low C = 3.6
|Dec low C = 1.0
|year low C = 5.7
|Jan record low C = -16.5
|Feb record low C = -15.0
|Mar record low C = -10.8
|Apr record low C = -4.8
|May record low C = -3.0
|Jun record low C = 3.2
|Jul record low C = 6.0
|Aug record low C = 5.5
|Sep record low C = 1.3
|Oct record low C = -2.6
|Nov record low C = -5.8
|Dec record low C = -12.4
|year record low C = -16.5
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 52.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 32.1
| Mar precipitation mm = 40.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 33.7
| May precipitation mm = 43.6
| Jun precipitation mm = 54.6
| Jul precipitation mm = 48.8
| Aug precipitation mm = 61.9
| Sep precipitation mm = 75.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 75.6
| Nov precipitation mm = 66.1
| Dec precipitation mm = 58.5
|year precipitation mm = 643.2
|unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 16.5
| Feb precipitation days = 12.3
| Mar precipitation days = 13.7
| Apr precipitation days = 11.2
| May precipitation days = 11.1
| Jun precipitation days = 11.8
| Jul precipitation days = 10.1
| Aug precipitation days = 11.8
| Sep precipitation days = 14.4
| Oct precipitation days = 16.0
| Nov precipitation days = 16.6
| Dec precipitation days = 16.7
|year precipitation days = 162.3
| Jan snow days = 5.8
| Feb snow days = 4.6
| Mar snow days = 3.7
| Apr snow days = 1.2
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.1
| Nov snow days = 1.2
| Dec snow days = 3.7
|year snow days = 20.3
| Jan humidity = 93
| Feb humidity = 91
| Mar humidity = 91
| Apr humidity = 87
| May humidity = 86
| Jun humidity = 87
| Jul humidity = 87
| Aug humidity = 87
| Sep humidity = 87
| Oct humidity = 88
| Nov humidity = 90
| Dec humidity = 92
|year humidity = 89
| Jan sun = 59
| Feb sun = 77
| Mar sun = 135
| Apr sun = 194
| May sun = 291
| Jun sun = 274
| Jul sun = 306
| Aug sun = 257
| Sep sun = 164
| Oct sun = 101
| Nov sun = 56
| Dec sun = 48
|year sun = 1969
|source 1 = Danish Meteorological Institute (humidity 1978–1997)<ref name = DMI1>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dmi.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/Rapporter/TR/2002/tr02-12.pdf
| title = Danish Climatological Normals 1971–2000 for selected stations
| publisher = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]]
| access-date = 17 November 2015}}</ref><ref name = DMI2>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dmi.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/Rapporter/TR/1999/tr99-5.pdf
| title = Observed Air Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Cloud Cover and Weather in Denmark with Climatological Standard Normals, 1961–90
| publisher = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]]
| access-date = 17 November 2015}}</ref>

}}

==Demographics==
The population of Skagen has mostly grown steadily, reaching a peak of 14,050 people in 1980, but has shown a marked decline in the 21st century. In 1672 Skagen had a population of 1,004, but by 1781 this had declined to 650.<ref name=slf/> The 1801 population of 834 began to grow significantly in subsequent decades, reaching 1,052 people in 1824 and jumping to 1,632 by 1840.<ref name=slf/> By 1850, it had dropped to 1,400, after which it again began to grow steadily. Major growth occurred in the 1870s and 1880s, with the population growing from 1,615 in 1870 to 1,954 in 1880 and 2,323 inhabitants in 1890.<ref name=slf/> Several of the new inhabitants were artists, who significantly altered the ethnic composition of Skagen, as they brought their friends and families from abroad to join the colony at Skagen. Noticeable change occurred between 1901 and 1906, when the population grew from 2,438 to 2,936, and again in the late 1910s, growing from 3,212 in 1916 to 3,854 in 1921.<ref name=slf/> Major growth began to take place in the 1930s and 1940s in Skagen, which grew from 4,048 inhabitants in 1930 to 5,358 in 1940. Skagen's population more than doubled between 1930 and 1955 when it reached a population of 9,009.<ref name=slf/> By 1960, Skagen had 10,213 inhabitants, growing to 11,253 in 1965. Following a municipal merger in 1971, the population jumped from 11,749 to 13,513.<ref name=slf/> Thereafter the population grew very steadily, reaching a peak of 14,050 in 1980.  There has since been a steady decline, with 13,724 people recorded in 1990, 13,298 in 1994, and 12,691 in 2000.<ref name=slf/> In the 2000s, the permanent population of Skagen has shown a marked decline, falling from 12,213 in 2003<ref name=slf/> to 8,088 inhabitants in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistikbanken.dk/BY1|title=Statistikbanken|website=www.statistikbanken.dk|access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{see also|Port of Skagen}}
[[File:Skagen værft.JPG|thumb|270px|Wharf of the [[Port of Skagen]]]]
For generations, Skagen's economy has been based on its fishing industry that continues to prosper today, facilitated by its fishing harbour, the largest in Denmark. Skagen also has the country's main herring processing facility and the world's largest [[fish oil]] factory. The town's evolving fishing industry led to considerable growth in the local population that reached 11,500 in the 1960s. A fish auction is held at dawn in the harbour, and between May and October the harbour also attracts yachting enthusiasts.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=403}}

Tourism has now become the town's main industry. Initially attracted by its associations with the Skagen Painters, well-to-do visitors sought to benefit from its special light, colour and its fishermen. Their interest led to new hotels, summer houses and expensive villas. The old fishing village was transformed into a miniature city with fine streets lined with boutiques. From the 1960s, it became increasingly fashionable for the upper-classes to spend their summers in Skagen.{{sfn|Lindeborg|Lindkvist|2013|p=64}}

Galleries selling local art and reproductions of Skagen's most iconic paintings have spread across the town, making it one of the places in Denmark with most galleries. Thanks to the town's growing reputation, sailing enthusiasts from Norway, Sweden and Denmark are now also among its frequent visitors. The quality brand name of Skagen has spread far afield, resulting in the establishment of the successful American watch company [[Skagen Designs]] that "set out to create a design driven company centred around the welcoming spirit of the city".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skagen.com/us/en/about-us.html|title=About Us|website=skagen.com|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120548/http://www.skagen.com/us/en/about-us.html|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Currently a new tourist initiative "The Top of Denmark" targets Skagen as a year-round attraction, not just a summer resort.{{sfn|Lindeborg|Lindkvist|2013|p=64}} The harbour is also being adapted to accommodate large international cruise ships. A new 450-meter berth will be completed by 2015 while the existing 170-meter berth will be extended to 200 meters.<ref>[http://www.skagenhavn.dk/dk/skagen_havn/nyheder/cruise_baltic_welcomes_new_partner_-_the_port_of_skagen_denmark.htm "Cruise Baltic welcomes new partner – the Port Of Skagen, Denmark"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105013249/http://www.skagenhavn.dk/dk/skagen_havn/nyheder/cruise_baltic_welcomes_new_partner_-_the_port_of_skagen_denmark.htm |date=5 November 2013 }}, Skagen Havn, 26 September 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref> Skagen now attracts some 2&nbsp;million visitors a year to its hotels, restaurants, shops and galleries, making tourism a major source of income and employment.<ref>[http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/ln-int/north-jutland/skagen-historically "Skagen historically"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109191519/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/ln-int/north-jutland/skagen-historically |date=9 November 2013 }}, Skagen-Tourist.dk. Retrieved 7 November 2013.</ref> An annual attraction is the [[Skagen Festival]], Denmark's oldest music festival, which is held the first weekend of July at various venues in Skagen and the harbour area.<ref name=sf>[http://skagenfestival.dk/festivalen/historie.html "Historie"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109224339/http://skagenfestival.dk/festivalen/historie.html |date=9 November 2013 }}, Skagen Festival. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 7 November 2013.</ref><ref>[http://frederikshavn.dk/Sider/Skagen-Festival-2013.aspx "Skagen Festival 2013"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109224446/http://frederikshavn.dk/Sider/Skagen-Festival-2013.aspx |date=9 November 2013 }}, Frederikshavn Kommune. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 7 November 2013.</ref> The largest campsite in the Skagen area is Grenen Camping, situated about {{convert|1.5|km}} northeast of the centre, adjacent to the beach.{{sfn|Lonely Planet (Scandinavian Europe)|2009|p=97}}

Until 2007, Skagen was a municipality in its own right with a substantial local administration. With the reforms of 2007, it became part of Frederikshavn Municipality with a resulting loss in administrative jobs.<ref>[http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/skagen-historisk-set "Skagen historisk set"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016061150/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/skagen-historisk-set |date=16 October 2013 }}, Skagen-tourist.dk. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 11 October 2011.</ref><ref>[http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/by.aspx?KoebstadID=50 "Skagen"], Dansk Center for Byhistorie. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 11 October 2013.</ref> The Bank of Skagen was established in 1862, and in 1865 a telegraph station was established in the town.<ref name=slf/> The pharmacy opened in 1904, a hospital in 1916, and telephone services were automated in 1956.<ref name=slf/> Ankermedet School was established in 1955. Recently, Skagen has seen developments in the offshore sector with an initiative to assist the Norwegian market through the establishment of Skagen Offshorepark in 2012.<ref>[http://www.nordjyske.dk/nyheder/offshore-industri-bringer-nyt-liv-til-skagen/a308dbbf-5d57-4faa-be8e-cf3c9be7dbf8/112/1513 Egon Kjøller, "Danskere og nordmænd etablerer Skagen Offshorepark i den lukkede Vestas Vindmøllefabrik"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017220010/http://www.nordjyske.dk/nyheder/offshore-industri-bringer-nyt-liv-til-skagen/a308dbbf-5d57-4faa-be8e-cf3c9be7dbf8/112/1513 |date=17 October 2013 }}, Nordjyske.dk, 15 May 2012. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 11 October 2013.</ref> On the shipbuilding front, Karstensens Skibsværft continues to prosper with orders for [[fishing trawler|trawler]]s from Norway.<ref>[http://www.maritimedanmark.dk/?Id=19547 "Skagenværft sikrer arbejde til 140 mand"], Maritime Danmark, 14 July 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.</ref>

Currently the harbour is being enlarged in order to accommodate larger vessels, especially cruise ships. From 2015 the enlarged harbour is expected to attract up to 40 large cruise ships per year compared to about a dozen smaller ships at present. The new harbour should provide new jobs increasing the workforce in the harbour from 2,000 today to some 2,600 on completion. Karstens Skibsværft, Danish Yacht, and the herring processing firm, Skagerrak Pelgic, are reported to be the most successful companies in Skagen but the town is also home to FF Skagen, the world's top producer of fish meal and fish oil.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business.dk/vaekst/boomtown-paa-toppen-stoerste-investering-i-skagen-i-100-aar|title=Boomtown på toppen: Største investering i Skagen i 100 år|author=Lars Erik Skovgaard|newspaper=Berlingske|date=13 July 2014|access-date=14 July 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Commerce===
[[File:Matas-skagen.jpg|thumb|left|Shops in Skagen]]
Thanks to Skagen's reputation as an artistic community, the local arts and crafts trade is also an important source of income and employment. Artwork and handicrafts are sold in galleries on Trondsvej. Sankt Laurentii Vej, one of the main streets away from the harbour area in Skagen,{{sfn|Lonely Planet|2009|p=325}} known for its glass and pottery shops; of particular note are Skagen Glasvaerksted, which produces some of "Jutland's finest glass pieces", and Skagen Potteri.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=405}} In addition to its arts and crafts stores, the town has a wide range of shops,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/shopping/shopping-i-skagen-omraadet|title=Shopping i Skagen Området|publisher=Skagen-tourist.dk|language=da|access-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104053103/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/shopping/shopping-i-skagen-omraadet|archive-date=4 November 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> including jewellery, clothes and shoes, handbags, souvenirs, flowers and gardening equipment. There are also a variety of food stores with butchers, bakers, a cheese shop, fishmongers, and several restaurants and cafés.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/shopping-og-service-i-skagen|title=Shopping og service i Skagen|publisher=Skagen-tourist.dk|language=da|access-date=1 November 2013|archive-date=1 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101043721/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/nordjylland/shopping-og-service-i-skagen|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
[[File:Pakhuse Skagen.jpg|thumb|Restaurant Pakhuse in Skagen]]

Given the abundance of fresh fish coming it at the port of Skagen, seafood forms a staple of cuisine in Skagen. Of particular note is the [[Skagen Fiske Restaurant]] that was established in 1907 at the side of the harbour.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|Norum|2011|p=201}} Ruth's Gourmet in [[Ruth's Hotel]] on Hans Ruth Vej is also of note and has been cited to be one of the top five restaurants in Denmark outside of Copenhagen, serving French cuisine under head chef [[Michel Michaud]].{{sfn|Porter|Prince|Norum|2011|p=201}} Ruths Hotel was originally built by Emma and Hans Christian Ruth in 1904 as a bath and guest house.{{sfn|Jensen|2011|p=109}} 

==Landmarks==

===Northern headland and lighthouses===
[[File:Skagen aka the skaw northmost point of denmark 6th may 2006.jpg|thumb|The northernmost point of Denmark is called ''Grenen'' (The Branch)]]
[[File:Skagen Grå Fyr Leuchtturm.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Skagen Lighthouse]] in 2019]]
At the headland at [[Grenen]], commonly but erroneously believed to be the northernmost point of Denmark, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet. Because of their different densities, a clear dividing line can be seen. As a result of turbulent seas, beachings and shipwrecks were common.<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Jylland/Grenen "Grenen"], ''Den Store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 12 October 2013.</ref> These frequent losses combined with the town's strategic location as the gateway to the Baltic led to Skagen being the site of one of Denmark's earliest lighthouses, [[Skagen's Vippefyr|Vippefyr]], a [[lever light]] constructed in 1627. A faithful copy has now been constructed on the site of the original.<ref>[http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/denmark/vippefyret-gdk642658 "Vippefyret"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015084406/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/denmark/vippefyret-gdk642658 |date=15 October 2013 }}, ''Den Store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 12 October 2013.</ref>

The White Lighthouse (''det Hvide fyr'') just north of the town is Denmark's oldest brick-built lighthouse. With a height of {{convert|21|m|abbr=on}}, it was designed by [[Philip de Lange]] and lit for the first time in 1747. In 1858, it was replaced by the Grey Lighthouse (''det Grå fyr'') 2&nbsp;km further north. Restored in 1960, the White Lighthouse now houses art exhibitions.<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Jylland/Jylland_-_fyr/Det_Hvide_Fyr_i_Skagen "Det Hvide Fyr i Skagen"], ''Den Store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 12 October 2013.</ref>

===Churches===
[[File:Skagen church.jpg|thumb|left|The modern [[Skagen Church]]]]
The old village church from the 14th century is now known as [[The Sand-Covered Church]] as only its tower can still be seen. Sand began drifting in from Råbjerg Mile around 1600 and the area surrounding the church became affected by the [[Dune#Desertification|desertification]] that destroyed the fields. In 1775, the church door had to be dug free for the congregation to be able to attend the service, and for the following 20 years, the Skageners struggled to keep the church free from sand, without being allowed to close it down. In 1795 the church was closed by royal decree and the body of the church demolished.<ref name=kirkehistorie>{{cite web|url=http://www.kirkehistorie.dk/hjor/sogn1198.htm|title=Skagen gamle kirke (den tilsandede)|publisher=Danmarks Kirkehistorie|language=da|access-date=9 September 2013}}</ref>
{{sfn|Osborne|Mouritsen|2010|p=261}} A new church was built in 1841 to the design of [[Christian Frederik Hansen]]. The design was adapted in 1909–10 by Ulrik Plesner who also designed a number of other buildings in Skagen. Plesner collaborated with [[Thorvald Bindesbøll]] on the interior. Anne L. Hansen created interior decorations and a new colour scheme in 1989.<ref name=dsd>{{cite web|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Jylland/Jylland_-_byer/Skagen|title=Skagen|language=da|publisher=Gyldendal|access-date=1 November 2013}}</ref>
A highlight of the year is the celebration of [[Midsummer|Midsummer Eve]] or [[John the Baptist|St. John]]'s Evening (''Sankt Hans Aften'') on the beach with blazing bonfire and song.<ref>[http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/denmark/skt-hans-aften-i-skagen-gdk640849 "Skt. Hans aften i Skagen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016063058/http://www.skagen-tourist.dk/denmark/skt-hans-aften-i-skagen-gdk640849 |date=16 October 2013 }}. Skagen-tourist.dk. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 13 October 2013.</ref>

===Museums===

====Skagens Museum====
[[File:Skagens museum.jpg|thumb|left|Skagens Museum]]

{{main|Skagens Museum}}
Towards the end of the 19th century, Skagen became the summer venue of a group of artists who were attracted by the way of life in the fishing village and by the opportunities for painting the fishermen and surrounding landscapes.{{sfn|Ancher|Ancher|Sandby|Agerholm|2000|p=np}} Skagens Museum was founded on 20 October 1908 in the dining room at Brøndums Hotel. Among the founders were artists Michael Ancher, P.S. Krøyer and Laurits Tuxen, who were elected to form the first board of governors together with Victor Christian Klæbel, the local pharmacist, and [[Degn Brøndum]], who was the proprietor of Brøndums Hotel and brother of Anna Ancher. In 1982, the exhibition rooms were extended with an annex designed by the Royal Surveyor, architect Jacob Blegvad. Blegvad also planned the later extension to the museum that was inaugurated in 1989.{{sfn|Ancher|Ancher|Sandby|Agerholm|2000|p=np}} Today Skagens Museum has more than 1,900 works of art at its disposal.<ref>[http://www.skagensmuseum.dk/ "Skagens Museum"]. Retrieved 12 October 2013.</ref>

==== Anchers Hus ====
[[File:ANCHER HOUSE INTERIOR - SKAGEN, DENMARK.jpg|thumb|Inside the Anchers' home]]
{{main|Anchers Hus}}
The former residence of the two painters Anna and Michael Ancher dates from 1884 and was expanded with a studio designed by Ulrik Plesner in 1913. Their only child, [[Helga Ancher]], who died in 1964, left the property to a foundation for conversion into a museum. Opened to the public  in 1967, the house contains much of the original furniture, preserving the atmosphere of the artists' home. Together with the adjacent 18th-century Saxild House (''Saxilds Gaard''), it displays many of the Anchers' paintings as well as those of their artist friends. Saxild House hosts exhibitions and a museum café<ref>[https://skagenskunstmuseer.dk/en/museums/anchers-hus/ "Anchers Hus"]. artskagen.dk. Retrieved 09 November 2017.</ref>

====Drachmanns Hus====
{{main|Drachmanns Hus}}
[[File:HOME OF HOLGER DRACHMANN, SKAGEN, DK.jpg|thumb|right|Drachmann's House]]
Drachmanns Hus on Hans Baghs Vej in the west of the town is a large property built in 1829.<ref name="DH"/> Now a museum, it is dedicated to the writer and marine painter Holger Drachmann who lived in the house from 1902 until his death in a sanatorium in [[Hornbæk]] in January 1908. Drachmann had regularly visited Skagen from 1871.{{sfn|Svanholm|2004|p=47}}<ref name="DH">{{cite web|url=http://www.drachmannshus.dk/english.html|title=HusDrachmanns|publisher=Drachmanns Hus|access-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103082859/http://www.drachmannshus.dk/english.html|archive-date=3 November 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Drachmann's House, first opened to the public on 4 June 1911, offers a collection not only of his own oil paintings and sketchbooks,{{sfn|Rough Guides|2003|p=181}} but also of paintings from the colony's other artists including Krøyer, Tuxen and the Anchers.<ref name="DH"/> An annex contains a photographic exhibition about Drachmann. Every year, the house hosts a "Drachmann evening"  in which enthusiasts gather together to hear readings, oral presentations and music related to the writer's life and works.<ref name="DH"/>

====Teddy Bear Museum====
In central Skagen there is a teddy bear museum, ''Skagen Bamsemuseum''. The teddy bears on display belong to the private collection of the owner Jonna Thygesen.<ref>[http://www.skagensbamsemuseum.dk/ "Skagens Bamsemueum"]. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 14 October 2013.</ref> It is the only teddy bear museum in Scandinavia. Opened in 1998, the collection contains about a thousand bears of all kinds, some of historic value. The museum also has a sculpture garden, an ice café and a teddy bear shop. Special events are arranged at Easter and Christmas.<ref>[http://www.skagensbamsemuseum.dk/introduktion.htm "Skagens Bamsemuseum"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014182923/http://www.skagensbamsemuseum.dk/introduktion.htm |date=14 October 2013 }}. Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref>

====Skagen Odde Nature Centre====
{{main|Skagen Odde Nature Centre}}
[[File:Keld Gydum-IMG 9857 skagen odde naturcenter.JPG|thumbnail|left|[[Jørn Utzon|Utzon's]] Skagen Odde Nature Centre]]
The [[Skagen Odde Nature Centre]] located close to the northern tip of the peninsula is a museum specially built to allow visitors to see, hear and understand more about the area's sand, water, wind and light. Each of the pavilions presents one of these elements in a special atmosphere. Designed by [[Jørn Utzon]], it is the most northerly building on Skagen Odde.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121203204401/http://www.arcspace.com/features/utzon-architects/the-desert-fortress/ "The Desert Fortress: Utzon Architects"], Arcspace.com. Retrieved 6 October 2013.</ref>

====Skagen Town and Regional Museum====
[[Skagen Town and Regional Museum]] (''Skagen By- og Egnsmuseum''), an open-air museum, was opened by the local population in 1927. In 1938 it was moved to the sand dunes of Vesterby.<ref>[http://www.kystmuseet.dk/skagen/skagen-by-egnsmuseum/ "Museet i Skagen"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018060732/http://www.kystmuseet.dk/skagen/skagen-by-egnsmuseum |date=18 October 2013 }}, Nordjyllands Kystmuseum. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 14 October 2013.</ref> The museum brings together examples of fishermen's cottages and the homes of less fortunate inhabitants of Skagen in the middle of the 19th century. There is an old life-saving station, a smithy, an old Dutch windmill, pictures of ships in distress and related nautical artefacts as well as a collection of items illustrating the town's history over various periods.<ref>[http://www.frommers.com/destinations/skagen/A29182.html "Review of Skagen By- & Egnsmuseum (Skagen Open-Air Museum)"], ''Frommer's''. Retrieved 14 October 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.kultunaut.dk/perl/sted/type-nynaut/nr-6097 "Skagen By- og Egnsmuseum"], Kulturnaut.dk. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 14 October 2013.</ref>

==Education==
Skagen's first school was the ''Latinskole'', a grammar school, which was in operation from 1549 until 1739. By the end of the 19th century, three schools had been established in Skagen: one in Vesterby, another in Østerby and a third in Højen. As a result of evolving legislation, a new public primary school (''Borgerskolen'') designed by A. Haunstrup was completed in 1901. A gymnasium was added in 1909 but in 1924 it was converted into classrooms to accommodate the growing number of pupils. A secondary school (''Realskolen'') was opened in 1904 behind the former local authority building on Sct. Laurentii vej. The secondary school was later moved next to the primary school and in 1948 the buildings were extended. An additional two-storey wing was completed in 1969.<ref>[http://skagensiden.dk/asp/page.asp?id=216 "Kappelborg Skolen – Borgerskole"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103115155/http://skagensiden.dk/asp/page.asp?id=216 |date=3 November 2013 }}, Skagensiden. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref>

In 1921, Skagen's Skipper School was opened to train navigators for both fishing boats and merchant ships. It is now the only remaining skipper school in Denmark with some 100 students from the whole of Scandinavia and 15 staff. In 2012, the school moved into new premises close to the Kattegat.<ref>[https://www.martec.dk/om-os/kontakt/find-vej/ "Skagen Skipperskole"]. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref> In 1955, the folkschool ''Ankermedets skole'' was opened on Skagavej, initially with 483 pupils and 16 classes. It has been extended several times over the years, most recently when a new wing was added in 2003.<ref>[http://skagensiden.dk/asp/page.asp?id=472 "Ankermedets skole"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103120135/http://skagensiden.dk/asp/page.asp?id=472 |date=3 November 2013 }}, Skagensiden. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref> The private school ''Brovandeskolen'', a so-called free school, opened in 1977 for parents wishing to offer their children a new pedagogical approach. A primary goal is active cooperation between pupils, teachers and parents.<ref>[http://www.brovandeskolen.skoleintra.dk/Infoweb/Designskabelon8/Rammeside.asp?Action=&Side=&Klasse=&Id=&Startside=&ForumID= "Skolens historie"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316061959/http://www.brovandeskolen.skoleintra.dk/Infoweb/Designskabelon8/Rammeside.asp?Action=&Side=&Klasse=&Id=&Startside=&ForumID= |date=16 March 2013 }}, Brovandeskolen. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref>

==Sport==
Skagen's sports centre dates from 1974 when its large hall was completed. A smaller hall with bedrooms was built in 1999. The centre has facilities for badminton, basketball, handball, hockey and tennis in addition to its football fields. Overnight accommodation is also available.<ref>[http://www.skagensportscenter.dk/?Sportsophold%26nbsp%3BSkagen "Skagen Sportscenter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103155534/http://www.skagensportscenter.dk/?Sportsophold%26nbsp%3BSkagen |date=3 November 2013 }}. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref> Skagen Idræts Klub, the local football club founded in 1946, plays in Jyllandsserien, one of the lower divisions in  [[Football in Denmark|Denmark's football system]].<ref>[http://www.skagenik.dk/page.aspx?id=2922 "Om klubben"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106185016/http://www.skagenik.dk/page.aspx?id=2922 |date=6 November 2013 }}, Skagen IK. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref> Skagen also has a badminton club<ref>[http://www.skagenbadmintonklub.dk/?Velkommen "Skagen Badminton Club"]. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref> and a tennis club,<ref>[http://www.skagentennisklub.dk/ "Skagen Tennisclub"]. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref> The Hvide Klit Golf Club is located some {{convert|17| km|abbr=on}} south of the town on the road to Ålbæk. In season, it is popular with tourists.<ref>[http://hvideklit.dk/cms/ "Golfclubben Hvide Klit"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121060957/http://hvideklit.dk/cms/ |date=21 January 2014 }}. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 3 November 2013.</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Skagen harbour.JPG|thumb|right|[[Port of Skagen|Skagen harbour]]]]

=== Railway ===
The [[Skagen Line]] connects Skagen with [[Frederikshavn station]] in Frederikshavn to the south. [[Nordjyske Jernbaner]] operates a frequent train service between Skagen and Frederikshavn with onward connections by train to the rest of Denmark. [[Skagen station]], the most northerly railway station in mainland Denmark, is the principal station of the town.<ref name=NJStandsningssteder>{{cite web|url=https://nj.dk/information/standsningssteder-paa-skagensbanen/|title=Standsningssteder på Skagensbanen|publisher=[[Nordjyske Jernbaner]]|language=da|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref> Skagen's first station, opened in 1890, was designed by [[Thomas Arboe]]. The current building, completed in 1919, is the work of the architect Ulrik Plesner.<ref name=sbanen/><ref>[http://www.baner-omkring-aalborg.dk/?Arkitekterne_bag_stationerne "Arkitekterne bag stationerne"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928125234/http://www.baner-omkring-aalborg.dk/?Arkitekterne_bag_stationerne |date=28 September 2007 }}, Nordjyllands jernbaner. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref> The western part of Skagen is also served by the [[Frederikshavnsvej railway halt]].<ref name=NJStandsningssteder/>

[[File:Skagen Station.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Skagen Station]]

=== Bus ===
In the summer, there are buses from Skagen to [[Blokhus]] via [[Hirtshals]].

=== Ferry ===
From Frederikshavn, there are ferries to [[Gothenburg]] and [[Oslo]]. From Hirtshals, there are ferries to [[Stavanger]], [[Bergen]], [[Larvik]], Faroe Islands and [[Langesund]]

=== Airport ===
[[Aalborg Airport]] with flights to and from destinations across Europe is located some {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} southwest of Skagen. It can be reached by train, bus or taxi.<ref>[https://www.aal.dk/tilfra "TIL/FRA AALBORG LUFTHAVN"], aal.dk/. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 18 July 2020.</ref>

=== Road ===
Skagen lies along [[Danish national road 40]], also known as Frederikshavnsvej, which connects the town to Frederikshavn, via [[Ålbæk]] to the southeast. The stretch of the road between Skagen and Ålbæk was asphalted in 1932.<ref name=slf/> [[Hirtshals]] on the western side of the peninsula can be reached by taking Road 597 from Ålbæk.<ref name="GM"/> The Bøjlevejen road is the main skirt road around the town to the north, along which lies the Skagen Odde Nature Centre.<ref name="GM"/> In the peak season during the summer months, Skagen can become congested with traffic.{{sfn|Lonely Planet|2009|p=326}}  Free parking facilities are provided for short periods, and there is also a metered car park near the train station. As in other Danish cities, cycling is popular, and Skagen Cykeludlejning, to the west of the train station, and Pedersen on Kappelborgvej rent out bikes to tourists.{{sfn|Lonely Planet|2009|p=326}}{{sfn|Olesen|2011|p=15}} There are a number of interesting marked cycle routes in and around Skagen. These include circuits for mountain bikes.<ref>[http://danmarksrejsen.dk/naturperler/Skagens%20Odde/Friluftsliv/ "Skagens Odde – Friluftsliv"], Danmarks rejsen. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 2 November 2013.</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Michael Ancher Lars Kruse.jpg|thumb|140px|Lars Kruse, by Michael Ancher, 1908]]
[[File:Helga Ancher (1960’erne).jpg|thumb|140px|Helga Ancher, 1960's]]

Among those born in Skagen are:
* [[Jacob Brønnum Scavenius]] (1749–1820) a Danish landowner.
* [[Lars Kruse]] (1828–1894), fisherman and heroic lifesaver
* [[Degn Brøndum]] (1856–1932), proprietor of Brøndums Hotel frequented the [[Skagen painters]]
* [[Anna Ancher]] (1859–1935), the only member of the [[Skagen painters]] actually born in Skagen
* [[Amalie Claussen]] (1859–1950), artistic photographer
* [[Ulrik Adolph Plesner|Ulrik Plesner]] (1861–1933), the architect who gave Skagen its distinctive look
* [[Palle Bruun]] (1873–1910), the hydraulic engineer who designed Skagen's fishing harbour
* [[Helga Ancher]] (1883–1964) Danish painter, daughter of [[Anna Ancher]] and [[Michael Ancher]]
* [[Sturla Gudlaugsson]] (1913–1971) Danish-born Dutch art historian and director of the [[RKD]] and the [[Mauritshuis]] in The Hague
* [[Ida Marie Suhr]] (1853–1938), wealthy philanthropist and estate owner, frequent visitor to Skagen
* [[Hanne Marie Svendsen]] (born 1933), Danish writer and former broadcasting executive
* [[Friis Arne Petersen]] (born 1952), Danish diplomat, Denmark's ambassador to Germany
* [[Saliha Marie Fetteh]] (born 1962), Danish writer, lecturer and imam.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johansen|first1=Simon|title=Skagboen, der blev islamisk feminist |url=https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/mennesker/skagboen-der-blev-islamisk-feminist|work=Kristeligt Dagblad|date=25 August 2016|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Line (singer)|Line Dissing Karred Larsen]] (born 1996) known mononymously as ''Line'',  is a Danish singer.

=== Sport ===
* [[Viggo Jensen (footballer born 1921)|Viggo Jensen]] (1921–2005), footballer, played professionally for [[Hull City A.F.C.]] 1949 / 1956.
* [[David Nielsen]] (born 1976), footballer with 361 club caps, current manager of [[Lyngby Boldklub]]
* [[Kamilla Rytter Juhl]] (born 1983), badminton player, silver medallist at [[2016 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Mariann Gajhede Knudsen]] (born 1984), a retired footballer, over 100 caps for the [[Denmark women's national football team|Denmark]]
* [[Nicolaj Thomsen]] (born 1993) Danish footballer, plays for [[F.C. Copenhagen]]

All the painters, writers and other members of the [[:Template:Skagen Painters|artists' colony]] also have close associations with Skagen.

==Twin towns==
Skagen is twinned with:
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|MYS}} [[Chenderiang]], [[Malaysia]]
*{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Farsund]], [[Norway]]
*{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Kristinehamn]], [[Sweden]]
||
*{{flagicon|PRC}} [[Qingdao]], [[China]]
*{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Seinäjoki]], [[Finland]]
*{{flagicon|GRL}} [[Sisimiut]], [[Greenland]]
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|last1=Ancher|first1=Michael|last2=Ancher|first2=Anne|last3=Sandby|first3=Vibeke |first4=Pernille |last4=Agerholm |first5=Jens |last5=Agerholm |first6=Ida Marie |last6=Suhr|title=Skagens trofaste veninde|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IZgfygAACAAJ|year=2000|publisher=Agerholm|isbn=978-87-987939-1-5}}
*{{cite book|last=Andersen|first=Arnold|title=Fra Dampelefant til Dollargrin: Trafikhistoriske glimt fra vejtrafik og jernbaner i og omkring Frederikshavn, Sæby og Skagen|url=http://www.sal.dk/shop/fra-dampelefant-til-397p.html|year=1992|publisher=S.A.L.|isbn=87-89340-05-1|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014025722/http://www.sal.dk/shop/fra-dampelefant-til-397p.html|archive-date=14 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}
*{{cite book|last1=Andersen|first1=Poul Carit|last2=Secher|first2=Alex|title=Skagen i fortid og nutid|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPo_AAAACAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Carit Andersen|isbn=978-87-424-4255-5|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Christensen|first=Erling S.|title=Natur og mennesker på Skagens odde|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yxAtQwAACAAJ|year=1987|publisher=Bakkelund|isbn=978-87-982532-1-1|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last1=Folsach|first1=Birgitte von|last2=samling|first2=C. L. Davids fond og|title=By the light of the crescent moon: images of the Near East in Danish art and literature, 1800–1875|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C-oXAQAAMAAJ|year=1996|publisher=David Collection|isbn=978-87-89384-39-9}}
*{{cite book|last=Jensen|first=Birthe|title=Sweet on Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hejiOa5gg3cC&pg=PA109|year=2011|publisher=Images Publishing|isbn=978-1-86470-350-4}}
*{{cite book|last=Klitgaard|first=Carl|title=Skagen bys historie indtil ca. 1870|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p5hJAAAAMAAJ|year=1928|publisher=I Kommission hos boghandler E. Nielsen (L. Schjeldes eftf.)|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last1=Lindeborg|first1=Lisbeth|last2=Lindkvist|first2=Lars|title=The Value of Arts and Culture for Regional Development: A Scandinavian Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rf6AAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA64|year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-76080-8}}
*{{cite book|author=Lonely Planet|title=Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1AJqoYpKoQcC&pg=PA285|year=2005|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74059-489-9}}
*{{cite book|author=Lonely Planet (Scandinavian Europe)|title=Scandinavian Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fULqNyVRakkC&pg=PA97|year=2009|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74104-928-2}}
*{{cite book|author=Lonely Planet|title=Europe on a Shoestring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BYXXhMklOo8C&pg=PA325|year=2009|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74220-334-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Olavius|first=Claus|title=Oekonomisk-physisk Beskrivelse over Schagens Kiøbstad og Sogn: Forfattet i Følge Kongelig Ordre|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vrdmYgEACAAJ|year=1787|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Olesen|first=Elizabet|title=Denmark Travel Adventures|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A4QjqJqi7A8C&pg=PT35|year=2011|publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc|isbn=978-1-58843-707-5}}
*{{cite book|last1=Osborne|first1=Caroline|last2=Mouritsen|first2=Lone|title=The Rough Guide to Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TjI95THMOv0C&pg=RA4-PR6|year=2010|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-1-84836-962-7}}
*{{cite book|last1=Porter|first1=Darwin|last2=Prince|first2=Danforth|title=Frommer's Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PC2CdFzlqf8C&pg=PA403|year=2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-50290-7}}
*{{cite book|last1=Porter|first1=Darwin|last2=Prince|first2=Danforth|last3=Norum|first3=Roger|title=Frommer's Scandinavia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NEcXtIx2ZPEC&pg=PA201|year=2011|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-118-09023-7}}
*{{cite book|author=Rough Guides|title=Scandinavia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=47Yp1TJgUz0C&pg=PA181|year=2003|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-84353-218-7}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*{{cite book|last=Stensgaard|first=Pernille|title=Skagen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lc9xvetlGkMC&pg=PA28|year=2004|publisher=Gyldendal A/S|isbn=978-87-02-02089-2|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Svanholm|first=Lise|title=Malerne på Skagen|publisher=Gyldendal A/S|year= 2001|isbn=87-00-75184-7|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Svanholm|first=Lise|title=Northern Light: The Skagen Painters|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MFBVtB1CTvkC&pg=PA24|year=2004|publisher=Gyldendal A/S|isbn=978-87-02-02817-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Svanholm|first=Lise|title=Skagenleksikon: malerne, modellerne, værkerne og stederne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gx11wFWqMSUC|year=2003|publisher=Gyldendal A/S|isbn=978-87-02-01947-6}}
*{{cite book|last=Thagaard|first=Chr|title=Blade af Skagens historie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sj-nGQAACAAJ|year=1967|publisher=Einer Nielsens Boghandel|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Tønnesen|first=Jens|title=Det svundne Skagen fortæller : om Fiskerne og om Fiskeriets og Strandingernes By saa længe den har været til |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OKRXmQEACAAJ|year=1946|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Voss|first=Knud|title=Skagen i nordisk kunst|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elaKAQAACAAJ|year=1989|publisher=Skagens museum|isbn=978-87-7600-039-4|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Heather|first=William|title=A new pilot for the Cattegat, Baltic, and Gulf of Finland : containing sailing directions from the Scaw to St. Petersburg |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/version/31899481|language=en}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Skagen}}
{{wikivoyage|Skagen}}
* [http://www.skagen.dk/ Skagen Tourist board website – the official guide to the Skagen area]
* [http://www.skagen-guide.dk/ Skagen Guide – a guide to the Skagen area]
* [https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/Denmark/Skagen Weather forecast Skagen, Denmark] weather-atlas.com

{{Skagen}}
{{Frederikshavn Municipality}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Skagen| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in the North Jutland Region]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Denmark]]
[[Category:Frederikshavn Municipality]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea]]
[[Category:Natura 2000 in Denmark]]
[[Category:Fishing communities in Denmark]]
[[Category:1410s establishments in Denmark]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in Denmark]]